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Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times

Julio Pimentel runs the Lexington Avenue Food and Deli Corp. bodega in East Harlem. He learned the business model from his father, who ran a similar store in the Dominican Republic. But sales aren't keeping up with rent and food prices. If he falls too far behind, Pimentel says, I will have to close. I have no option. I lose all the money that I have.

Julio Pimentel runs the Lexington Avenue Food and Deli Corp. bodega in East Harlem. He learned the business model from his father, who ran a similar store in the Dominican Republic. But sales aren't keeping up with rent and food prices. If he falls too far behind, Pimentel says, I will have to close. I have no option. I lose all the money that I have. (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

Julio Pimentel runs the Lexington Avenue Food and Deli Corp. bodega in East Harlem. He learned the business model from his father, who ran a similar store in the Dominican Republic. But sales aren't keeping up with rent and food prices. If he falls too far behind, Pimentel says, I will have to close. I have no option. I lose all the money that I have.